Business Development Lead

Experience Oxfordshire is the official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) and Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for Oxfordshire. It is the trading arm of the parent charity, Experience Oxfordshire Charitable Trust, and is a not for profit partnership organisation that is committed to the promotion, management, and development of Oxfordshire as a great destination to live, work, visit and do business. The DMO seeks to improve growth and productivity across Oxfordshire's visitor economy through the provision of essential business advice and support services to our partners.

Experience Oxfordshire was one of the first destinations in England to gain LVEP status from national tourist board, VisitEngland. As an LVEP, Experience Oxfordshire is recognised as a high performing organisation, supporting collaborative working both locally, through its network of partners and those with interest in the visitor economy, and nationally on shared priorities.

Read our Highlights 2023/24 publication which showcases the impact and reach of our work. Highlights Brochure by Experience Oxfordshire - Issuu. The visitor economy is vitally important to Oxfordshire. Prior to the Covid 19 pandemic each year Oxfordshire welcomed over 30 million visitors to the County who spent £2.3 billion in the local economy which supported over 40,000 jobs - 12 % of all jobs across Oxfordshire.

Our organisation is funded in part by partners from all sectors of the Oxfordshire economy, including hotels, retail, events, transport and restaurants. We work with our partners to collectively promote their products and services and grow the visitor economy across Oxfordshire through a variety of B2B and B2C channels. The rest of our income comes from providing services such as travel trade, MICE referrals, commissioned services and consultancy, and operating the award winning Oxford Official Walking Tours.

More information:

This exciting new and broad ranging role is ideal for an experienced business development manager to play a leading role in the visitor economy and drive transformational change across Experience Oxfordshire, significantly contributing to the organisation's sustainability. We are looking for someone with significant experience in successful grant application, management and delivery, alongside strong commercial acumen to develop new revenue opportunities. The role would be suitable for someone looking to join a small, collaborative team with big plans for future growth. The individual should be innovative and creative, with strong partnership skills and a passion for Oxfordshire and the visitor economy.

• Lead on developing and delivering new income stream opportunities for the organisation.
• Support and enhance existing commercial services across the organisation.
• Develop large scale funding bids to deliver strong added value for Oxfordshire that address key challenges and priorities for the visitor economy.
• Identify, develop and implement a new grant programme of activity that highlights new opportunities and manage the process from application to delivery.
• Identify opportunities and secure income for grant funded projects, operating as project manager for funded projects.
• Work across the organisation to meet and exceed income targets.
• Apply for and deliver funded programmes ensuring projects are delivered to a high standard, providing demonstrable impact and value for the funder, the destination and stakeholders, while maximising revenue for the organisation.
• Be accountable for delivery against agreed financial and service targets.
• Develop and deliver innovative solutions for the organisation that provide a sustainable revenue stream.
• Develop a commercial strategy for new business that drives additional income through commissioned services, marketing, partnership, business events and tours activities.
• Support the development of strategic stakeholder partnerships across the County, identifying opportunities for collaboration on visitor economy projects.
• Ensure that appropriate and accurate management information is available.
• Work across the organisation to ensure services are delivered in a joined up manner.
• Maintain appropriate internal and external networks.
• Ensure the activities of commercial services are safe and comply with applicable legislation and regulation.
• Ensure opportunities to generate income are optimised and services delivered in a cost effective and sustainable manner against agreed targets.
• Undertake any duties commensurate with the post as requested by the CEO.

Internally: CEO, Marketing and Partnership, Oxford Official Walking Tours and Finance departments (Board of Directors and Trustees as required).

Externally: Experience Oxfordshire partners, stakeholders, Local Authorities and national agencies as appropriate.

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct reports: None

Location: Office Based Role at Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire OX5 1HZ

Salary: Up to £40k per annum depending on experience (pro rata for part time)

Hours: Part Time or Full Time considered - minimum 24 hours per week

Company Benefits: 25 days annual leave (inclusive of Christmas office closure) plus bank holidays, statutory employee pension scheme, access to company 'Perks for Partners' discounts across Oxfordshire providing significant savings, regular team social events, free parking on site.

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 5pm and Friday 8.30am - 3.30pm

For further information and to apply for the role please contact Strong Recruitment at or call .

Applications will require your CV and covering letter outlining why you are interested and why you think you would be suitable for the role. Please note applications without a CV will not be considered.